“Mixed emotions”: US Olympians wrestle with patriotism
Saturday, February 7, 2026
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Freestyle skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis admitted feeling "mixed emotions" about representing the US, citing concerns over ICE raids and political tensions, with Hess stating "Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on back home."
The athletes' remarks come amid high-profile criticism of US immigration policies, including controversial ICE raids, and broader public debates over the nation's values and international image, with Lillis noting he feels "heartbroken" over current events.
The statements have sparked conversations about the intersection of sports, nationalism, and morality, with some fans praising the honesty and others questioning whether politics should be injected into international competition, as reported by Reuters and Salon.
